Alan Stubbs talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United manager Alan Stubbs won’t have to wait long for his first taste of a South Yorkshire derby.
The Millers take on newly promoted Barnsley at Oakwell in the first month of the season, after the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship fixtures were announced earlier today.
After starting the campaign with games against Wolves (H), Aston Villa (A), Brighton (A) and Brentford (H), the Millers conclude the month with a local showdown against the Reds.
Stubbs is looking forward to experiencing the derby day atmosphere for the first time, with the two clubs facing each other for the first time since 2005.
“When you look at the league you know there are no easy games in the Championship, all the games are very competitive,” Stubbs told www.themillers.co.uk
“We go to Barnsley in the fifth game for our first derby game of the season and that is very exciting. If you look at the first five games I think that it epitomises what the Championship is all about.”
The Millers take on fellow South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday for the first time on Saturday 17th December at Hillsborough, with the return fixture at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Tuesday 4th April.
Over the Christmas period the Millers have been handed two home games. Wigan Athletic are the visitors on Boxing Day, and then Burton Albion make the trip to AESSEAL New York Stadium on New Year’s Eve.
“When you look at the three games over Christmas, Wigan at home, Burton at home and Leeds away – from a fans point of view they are great games,” Stubbs added.
“In terms of vicinity, there are no long distances and it is another exciting period for us.
“Two home games over Christmas is great for the fans, and then a derby game at Elland Road couldn’t have worked out much better for supporters watching us over the festive period.”